Why choose HAMPTA PASS TREK?
A Stunning High-Altitude with a Dramatic Landscape Shift
Rising to 14,000 feet, Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most breathtaking crossover treks in the Himalayas. What makes it truly special is the stark contrast between the landscapes on either side of the pass.
On one side, the Kullu Valley welcomes you with its lush greenery, dense forests, and rolling meadows bursting with colorful wildflowers. The trail winds through glistening streams, grazing sheep, and a vibrant alpine environment, making it a picturesque journey.
But as you ascend and cross the pass, the scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation. The Lahaul region on the other side is a world apart—its barren, rugged mountains, rocky terrain, and arid landscapes create an almost desert-like setting with barely any vegetation.
Standing at the summit, the contrast is almost surreal. In just a few minutes, you go from walking through verdant valleys to gazing at a stark, otherworldly expanse. This extraordinary shift in scenery makes Hampta Pass an unforgettable trekking experience, offering the thrill of adventure and the beauty of two distinct Himalayan worlds.
Short Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Drive from Manali to Jobra (16 km, 1 hr) & trek 3 km to Chhika (2 hrs). Overnight camp stay.
✅ Day 2: Trek from Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera (6-7 km, 5-6 hrs). Stay at a scenic campsite.
✅ Day 3: Trek from Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass (7 km, 10 hrs). Enjoy breathtaking mountain views.
✅ Day 4: Trek from Shea Goru to Chatru (7 km, 5 hrs) & drive 50 km to Chandratal (if weather permits).
✅ Day 5: Drive from Chatru to Manali (65 km, 5-6 hrs). Bid farewell to the mountains.
Trek Highlights
- ✅ Trek Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
- ✅ Total Trek Distance: 24 km (Almost)
- ✅ Maximum Altitude: 14,000 ft
- ✅ Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- ✅ Best Time to Visit: June & Sep
- ✅ ATM Availability: Last ATM at Manali
- ✅ Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu Manali
- ✅ Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh / Joginder Nagar
Key Highlights of Hampta Pass
- 🌿 Stunning Contrasts: Lush green Kullu Valley to stark, arid Lahaul Valley — all in one trail
- 🏔️ Glacial Crossings & Snow Fields: Perfect for snow lovers (especially in June–July)
- 🏕️ Campsites Like No Other: Scenic camps at Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, and Shea Goru — under the stars
- 🌸 River Crossings & Waterfalls: Multiple thrilling river crossings and cascading waterfalls on the way
- 🏡Bonus Visit to Chandratal Lake (Optional) visit the ethereal moon-shaped lake in Spiti
Weather & Temperature Guide
- June – Early Season
- ✅ Day Temperature: 10°C to 15°C
- 🌙 Night Temperature: 0°C to 5°C
- July – Monsoon Begins
- ✅ Day Temperature: 12°C to 18°C
- 🌙 Night Temperature: 2°C to 6°C
- August – Lush Landscapes
- ✅ Day Temperature: 12°C to 16°C
- 🌙 Night Temperature: 3°C to 6°C
- September – Clear Skies
- ✅ Day Temperature: 10°C to 14°C
- 🌙 Night Temperature: -2°C to 4°C
Things to Carry
- 🧥 Clothing: Layered wear, waterproof jacket, thermals
- 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- 🎒 Essentials: Backpack (40-50L), trekking pole, headlamp
- 🥤 Hydration: Water bottle, ORS sachets
- 🍫 Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits
- 🩹 Medical Kit: Personal medicines
Brief Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Manali to Chhika via Jobra | Trek Through Enchanting Forests
Altitude:
- Manali: 2,100 m / 6,400 ft
- Jobra: 2,800 m / 9,100 ft
- Chhika: 3,100 m / 10,100 ft
Travel Details:
- Drive (Manali to Jobra): 16 km | 1 hr
- Trek (Jobra to Chhika): 3 km | 2 hrs
Trail Highlights:
- Walk along the scenic Rani Nallah through lush forests of pine, maple, and birch.
- Gradual ascent leading to a stunning meadow at the end.
- Overnight camping near the river, surrounded by grazing horses and breathtaking valley views.
Your adventure begins with a picturesque drive from Manali to Jobra, navigating through 40 thrilling hairpin bends while soaking in the breathtaking views of Kullu Valley. From Jobra, the trek unfolds through dense forests, eventually opening into a tranquil alpine meadow. The melodic sound of Rani Nallah accompanies you as you trek towards Chhika campsite, a serene riverside location perfect for an overnight stay.
✅ Day 2: Chhika to Balu Ka Ghera | Trek Through Wildflower Meadows
Altitude:
- Balu Ka Ghera: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft
- Trek Distance: 6-7 km | 5-6 hrs
- Altitude Gain: 700 m / 2,300 ft
Trail Highlights:
- Gentle ascent through boulder-strewn paths.
- River crossings amidst vibrant alpine flora.
- Panoramic vistas of the towering Dhauladhar peaks.
The trail meanders through lush valleys, flanked by rhododendron forests and silver birch trees, before reaching Jwara, a mesmerizing open valley where melting snow feeds the river. Grazing cattle dot the landscape, creating an idyllic scene. A steady trek ahead leads you to Balu Ka Ghera, a broad, picturesque campsite, believed to be formed by centuries of river sediment deposits. Spend the night in this peaceful high-altitude haven.
✅ Day 3: Balu Ka Ghera to Shea Goru via Hampta Pass | Conquer the Highest Point
Altitude :
- Hampta Pass: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
- Shea Goru: 3,900 m / 12,900 ft
- Trek Distance: 7 km | – 10 hrs
- Altitude Gain: 520 m / 1,700 ft
Trail Highlights:
- Challenging climb to Hampta Pass, the highest point of the trek.
- Breathtaking views of Indrasen Peak and surrounding landscapes.
- Thrilling descent into the stunning Shea Goru Valley.
This is the most demanding yet rewarding day of the trek. The journey begins with a gentle incline along the river, gradually intensifying into a steep, rocky ascent towards Hampta Pass. Reaching the summit is an unforgettable moment, with spectacular 360° views of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys. After a short rest and a packed lunch, a steep descent (which may involve fun snow slides in certain seasons) leads to the Shea Goru campsite, a tranquil riverside retreat nestled amidst towering mountains.
✅ Day 4: Shea Goru to Chatru & Drive to Chandratal | Explore the Moon Lake
Altitude:
- Chatru: 3,350 m / 11,000 ft
- Trek Distance: 7 km | 5 hrs
- Drive Distance: 50 km | 3-4 hrs (to Chandratal and back, weather permitting)
- Altitude Loss: 550 m / 1,900 ft
Trail Highlights:
- Easy descent through rugged, glacial terrain.
- Glacier crossings with mesmerizing mountain views.
- Optional visit to the breathtaking Chandratal Lake, known for its surreal turquoise waters.
Descending from Shea Goru, the landscape transforms into barren, Spiti-like terrain with dramatic rocky ridges and glacial streams. Reaching Chatru, the endpoint of the trek, offers a moment of celebration. If road conditions allow, embark on a drive to Chandratal Lake, where the pristine, mirror-like waters reflect the sky and mountains. If access is restricted due to weather, the journey continues directly back to Manali.
✅ Day 5: Chatru to Manali | The Journey Back
Drive Distance: 65 km | 5-6 hrs
Trail Highlights:
- A spectacular drive through the raw beauty of Lahaul and Spiti.
- Breakfast at the campsite, followed by lunch en route (not included).
- Arrive in Manali by afternoon, marking the end of an incredible trek.
The final leg of your journey is a scenic drive through remote mountain landscapes, offering one last chance to soak in the breathtaking views before returning to Manali, where your trekking adventure concludes.
Includes All
- ✔️ Accommodation (Guesthouses/Camps as per itinerary)
- ✔️ All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- ✔️ Transportation (Manali to Chatru & return)
- ✔️ Experienced trek leader & support staff
- ✔️ Permits & entry fees for the trek
- ✔️ Trekking equipment (Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses)
- ✔️ First aid medical kits & oxygen cylinder
- ✔️ Bonfire (wherever allowed)
Excludes All
- ✖️ Personal expenses (Laundry, Phone calls, Tips, etc.)
- ✖️ Porter & Luggage Offloading
- ✖️ Any kind of insurance (Travel/Accident/Medical)
- ✖️ Bottled water, beverages, or personal snacks
- ✖️ Anything not specifically mentioned in the "Includes" section